[jono]

I had a question about the swirls is it only superficial but actually throughout the entire body?

I guess that is a dumb question because if it was throughout the entire body it would be like one of those huge carnival lollipops

The original swirls are just a thin layer of paint, floated on the surface of a tank of water and then the bodies are dipped in and the paint sticks to the primer. Then they're cleared over once they're dry

 

[confesor30]

Dear Ibanez -

Please, please, please consider making more swirled Jems and Universes. 30 years ago the Jem PMC and GMC were released and y'all could make a killing taking pre-orders for reissues. Y'all could make a ton of money. Master swirler Darren Johansen from About Time Designs has fallen on hard times recently and could also use the money.

Please take my money! It's right here waiting!

Not going to happen, I was hoping for the exact same thing and they just announced the 35th swirl model as a Pia only. The MIJ Jem is dead, only option now is used market on Reverb. What is going to happen in the next few years is Jem’s selling for absurd price tags while Ibanez keep the Pia as the premium Vai guitar.

 

[confesor30]

Here is my gripe: why is the JEM7VWH the longest running model? Or am I wrong? Is it only because Steve's main performance guitars are EVO and FLO and FLO II?

Have I mentioned that I hate gold hardware?

It also bothers me that part of Steve's motivation for creating the 7VWH was "wanting a more traditional look" (or something along those lines). WHAT?! You are Steve Vai! Pink, Yellow, Green, Eyeballs, Flames, Hearts! You put stickers all over your Stratocaster! You painted your cherryburst Charvel Slime Green! Traditional? When has Steve Vai ever been Traditional?

Rants/Gripes over...

This!!!! It is insane that the last production run of a MIJ Jem in a color that is not white was the 30th anniversary LIMITED edition Jem In 2017 (Green, pink & Yellow). WTF, they are now giving us inferior specs made in Indonesia and a premium guitar MIJ that is not a JeM.

 

[jb4674]

This isn't Ibanez' fault from what I understand. the artist is the one who is consulted on what comes out next and then Ibanez delivers.